UNDER THE BIG OAK TREE

Many years ago when my Grandma Grover (Ida) was residing in a skilled nursing facility because of age related disabilities, I visited her there almost every day. It was good for me and it was good for her. I took my current crochet project and sat and chatted with her while she lay in her bed unable to get up or even sit up straight. Occasionally a nurse or an aide would stop by to see how she was and she would tell them, "This is my granddaughter; we're just keeping company." 

Today I'm sitting at my computer wishing I could go "keep company" with Grandma for one more afternoon, but she has graduated from her earth-life. There are many saints who lie out in the graveyard on Dakota Avenue in Modesto whom I would love to "keep company" with one more time. My son, Stephen, my best friend, Linda, Aunt Mary Ellen (who was like a second mother to me when my mother was ill), my dad and mom, and many others lie there. It's too late--such sad words.

But when I leave my computer I will go to keep company with my very best friend, Jesus. I meet Him many places and carry Him with me always, but one of my favorite places to meet Him is under the Big Oak Tree in Wilma Park. It's a wonderful prayer place. Our back gate opens to the park and because of the Covid-19 pandemic I usually have the park all to myself. I take a lawn chair and open it in the shade of that lovely tree, and then I relax, breath deeply, and meet my Savior. 

The temperature is usually 10-20 degrees cooler there in the shade of the big oak--very comfortable. My foot will be on a stool, (still recovering from my broken leg). My Bible (on the phone) will be in my hands, and I will be spending a little time talking to Jesus and hearing from Him through His Word. 

It's not quiet there under the Oak Tree; there's a scrub jay somewhere in the top of that big tree that calls to me. The jays are not happy when I'm sharing their space. They show their displeasure by flying low over our swimming pool. Our great-grandson loves to watch them zoom dive us. I don't mind sharing the Big Oak Tree with them. I  praise God as I watch them for the gracefulness with which He has created them. 

The times with loved ones are precious but limited. We will all die physically someday. But time with my Savior Jesus Christ will never end. The author of the book of Hebrews says, ". . . but he holds his priesthood permanently because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:24-25). Jesus won't ever die and He is forever carrying my needs and yours before the Father in Heaven.

If you are anxious and depressed about the times we live in, perhaps you need to find a spot (it can be inside or outside, your choice) where you can keep company with Jesus. He promises that He will meet you there. You can talk to Him about anything--the big things and the little things--He cares about everything that touches His children. You can trust Him! He is eager for you to find a moment or two in your busy schedule to spend time with Him. If you are like me, easily distracted by laundry, dishes, or a dirty kitchen floor 😕, maybe you need to find a spot like my prayer tree to meet with your forever Friend. 

He is waiting for you today. You can depend on His faithfulness. When all the world seems to be collapsing around you, He is a firm foundation, a stronghold that cannot be shaken.

 

If you see me under the Big Oak Tree and you need to talk, stop and join me. We'll keep company with Jesus together, social distancing and masks included. 💙

His Servant  Lois